CAROLINE ANSELL MP: Delighted our classrooms are open again

Going to school is safe and children need to be there as that is the best place for them and the best way they will get on in life.

Just before the end of summer term I went to The Haven School and heard the sound of pupils outside having fun, laughing and joking.

As a teacher myself, I was really thrilled to hear that sound.

We cannot underestimate the effect a lack of lessons has had on children these last few months.

Too many have suffered isolation at the very least and, at the most, they have suffered abuse without the safety net of school to help.

The government is absolutely right to reopen schools because the danger to children, in terms of well-being and educational attainment, is so much greater if they are not learning.

Being with your teacher is vital but pupils learn from each other too.

And being in school during this pandemic can be a lesson in itself in resilience and responsibility, in wearing face masks when asked and if necessary, washing hands and keeping social distance in this ‘new normal’.

With our support and encouragement, pupils will face the challenge and change and be creative and innovative just like the local heads and teachers who have done such a tremendous job getting schools ready for this term.

I understand it has not been easy but it is vital and I thank them for all they have done since lockdown.

In tandem with schools reopening to all pupils, the government wants us to now head back to work.

The economic effects of Covid loom large over many parts of the country and the lack of workers back in offices and factories is a major obstacle to our recovery.

Undoubtedly, the impact of the virus on how we live and work will prove lasting but we need to be very careful with seismic and sudden culture change.

Working from home can too easily become living at work.

For new entrants to the workforce, life by Zoom doesn’t give the incidental learning and support which comes from working physically in the same space as experienced and established new colleagues.

Many of our small independent local businesses thrive on this office working landscape too.

The Prime Minister has asked us to return, I echo that call.

We need to get the country moving again while living as best we can and safely with this virus.

Take care, stay safe and keep in touch.’